Compact packaged intermittent urinary catheter

ABSTRACT

A compact packaged intermittent urinary catheter having a longitudinally elongated intermittent urinary catheter retained within a longitudinally compacted elastic package. A method of using the catheter wherein at least a portion of the package is used as a drainage tube for the catheter. A package for an intermittent urinary catheter including a longitudinally compacted elastic package having a longitudinally extending receiving chamber containing a lubricating medium. The package having two longitudinal ends that may be removed to open the package and enable conversion of the package from a compacted state to an extended state. A method of using the package as a clean handling sleeve through which an intermittent urinary catheter may be passed to coat it with a lubricating medium.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This patent is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 13/790,495filed Mar. 8, 2013, titled “COMPACT PACKAGED INTERMITTENT URINARYCATHETER”.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTS AND TRADE DRESS

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. This patent document may showand/or describe matter which is or may become trade dress of the owner.The copyright and trade dress owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure as it appears in thePatent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwisereserves all copyright and trade dress rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

Intermittent catheters are typically used by patients suffering fromurinary incontinence or by individuals unable to have voluntaryurination. In our highly mobile culture, the ability to have the freedomto leave home for the day or longer is an important part of life. Toaccommodate this need single use catheters have been developed to allowpatients to perform self catheterization. These catheters and theirdrainage tubes typically have a considerable length and are packaged inan elongated condition. It can require a considerable amount of space tostore and transport enough catheters to accommodate a day long outing.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,682,353 B2 discloses an intermittent catheter kit thatprovides a catheter in short sections to be assembled at the time ofuse, but many users of the catheters have limited dexterity to assemblethese catheters and may still need drainage tubes to reach a wastereceptacle. A need still exists for an easy to use intermittent catheterthat is compact and completely assembled upon opening the package.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention is a compact packaged intermittenturinary catheter. The catheter has a longitudinally elongatedintermittent urinary catheter retained within a longitudinally compactedelastic package.

In a preferred embodiment the compacted package is folded or coiled suchthat removal of one end of the package removes the other end of thepackage.

A second aspect of the invention is a method of using a catheter inaccordance with the first aspect of the invention. The method includesthe steps of (a) obtaining a compact packaged intermittent urinarycatheter retained within a longitudinally compacted elastic packagehaving a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, (b)manually opening the first and second longitudinal ends of the package,(c) returning the package to a full longitudinal length, (d) removing aportion of the catheter from the package and inserting it into aurethra, and (e) using at least a portion of the package as a drainagetube for the catheter.

A further aspect comprises a compact package for an intermittent urinarycatheter. The package is longitudinally compacted and elastic and has anopen extended state and a closed compacted state. The package furtherdefines a longitudinally extending receiving chamber containing alubricating medium. The package is sized and configured when in itscompacted state such that a first longitudinal end of the package and asecond longitudinal end of the package are aligned and attached togetherand removal of the first longitudinal end causes removal of the secondlongitudinal end and opening of the package. Also, removal of both firstand second longitudinal ends permits the package to be converted to itsextended state with both first and second longitudinal ends being open.The longitudinally extending receiving chamber is sized and configuredwhen the package is in its open extended state to slidably receive alongitudinally elongated intermittent urinary catheter so that thelubricating medium coats the catheter exterior.

The compact package may be made from polyester, polyethylene, or acombination of the two materials. A line of weakness proximate the firstlongitudinal end of the package and the second longitudinal end of thepackage may be provided wherein the lines of weakness are aligned whenthe first longitudinal end of the package and the second longitudinalend of the package are aligned and attached together. Preferably, thecompacted state of the package includes a single fold with the first andsecond longitudinal ends being joined together opposite the fold.Alternatively, the compacted state of the package includes a coiledconfiguration. The compact package may have a hinge to allow the packageto be configured and arranged into its compacted state.

Additionally, the compact package may have at least one set of laterallyextending dimples configured and arranged to allow the package to befolded into its compacted state. The compact package may also have abiasing means configured and arranged to bias the package toward itsextended state, such as a polymer member or at least one pressurizedchamber.

A method of using an intermittent urinary catheter is also describedincluding the steps of:

-   -   a. obtaining, in its closed compacted state, the package for an        intermittent urinary catheter as set forth in claim 1;    -   b. simultaneously removing the first and second longitudinal        ends of the package so that both first and second longitudinal        ends are open;    -   c. converting the package to its extended state;    -   d. inserting a leading end of an intermittent urinary catheter        into the open first longitudinal end and passing the catheter        through the longitudinally extending receiving chamber so that        the leading end projects from the open second longitudinal end        with lubricating medium coating an exterior surface thereof;    -   e. inserting the catheter leading end into a urethra; and    -   f. using at least a portion of the package as a clean handling        sleeve for the catheter.

The package preferably includes a single fold with the first and secondlongitudinal ends being joined together opposite the fold, and the stepof converting the package to its extended state comprises unfolding thepackage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of one embodiment of a package for anintermittent urinary catheter shown with the package in fulllongitudinal length.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the package in FIG. 1 shown with thepackage in compact longitudinal length.

FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the package in FIG. 2

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the package shown in FIG. 2taken along line 2-2.

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the package shown in FIG. 1 with the firstand second longitudinal ends removed.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front view of the package shown in FIG. 5taken along line 5 a-5 a with the catheter fully extended.

FIG. 7A is a plan end view of the second longitudinal end of the packageshown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7B is a plan end view of an alternative configuration of the secondlongitudinal end of the package shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7C is a plan end view of a further alternative configuration of thesecond longitudinal end of the package shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of the packagewith the first and second longitudinal ends removed and the catheterpartially extended.

FIG. 9 is a plan side view of a third embodiment of the invention withthe package shown in compact longitudinal length.

FIG. 10 is a plan front view of a fourth embodiment of the package shownin full longitudinal length.

FIG. 11A is a side perspective view of proximal end of the cathetershown In FIG. 6.

FIG. 11B is a side perspective view of an alternative configuration ofthe proximal end of the catheter shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11C is a side perspective view of a further alternativeconfiguration of the proximal end of the catheter shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11D is a side perspective view of a further alternativeconfiguration of the proximal end of the catheter shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11E is a front perspective view of the proximal end of the cathetershown in FIG. 11D.

FIG. 12 is a sectional front view of the invention in FIG. 1 with airpockets molded into the package to act as a biasing means.

FIG. 13 is a sectional front view of the invention in FIG. 1 with aspring sealed into the package to act as a biasing means.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an alternative form of a packageto receive and lubricate an intermittent urinary catheter in compactlongitudinal length.

FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional side view of the package shown in FIG. 14taken along line 14-14.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the package shown in FIG. 14 with thefirst and second longitudinal ends removed by a user and in a compactlongitudinal length.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 14 after removal ofthe first and second longitudinal ends and in full longitudinal length.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 14 after removal ofthe first and second longitudinal ends and in full longitudinal lengthshowing a user inserting an intermittent urinary catheter therein.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view like FIG. 17 showing the intermittenturinary catheter passing completely through the package.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view like FIG. 18 showing the user holding thepackage with the intermittent urinary catheter therein in preparationfor use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Nomenclature [0026] 10 Catheter [0027] 11 Distal end [0028] 12 Proximalend [0029] 12 a Push block [0030] 13 Longitudinal length [0031] 14Eyelet [0032] 20 Package [0033] 21 Full longitudinal length [0034] 22Compact longitudinal length [0035] 23 First longitudinal end [0036] 24Second longitudinal end [0037] 25 Hinge [0038] 26 a Inner surface [0039]26 b Outer surface [0040] 27 Edge [0041] 28 Receiving chamber [0042] 28a Longitudinal length [0043] 28 b Shoulder [0044] 29 Line of weakness[0045] 30 Guide member [0046] 31 Tab [0047] 32 Tether [0048] 40 Mirror[0049] 50 Fastener [0050] 60 Dimple [0051] 70 Biasing means [0052] XLongitudinal direction [0053] Y Lateral direction

DEFINITIONS

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “full longitudinallength” means longitudinal length from the first end of the package tothe second end of the non-compacted package.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “compactlongitudinal length” means longitudinal length of the compacted packagethat is less than the full longitudinal length.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the term “compacted” meansfolded, coiled, pleated, concertina, bent.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the term “elastic” means ableto resume to proximate normal shape spontaneously after bending,coiling, pleating, or other form of distortion.

DESCRIPTION

Construction

The invention is a longitudinally elongated intermittent urinarycatheter 10 packaged in a longitudinally compacted elastic package 20and a method of using the catheter 10.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the catheter 10 sterilely packed inside apackage 20. The package 20 is shown in full longitudinal length 21. Thecatheter 10 has at least a distal end 11, a proximal end 12, alongitudinal length 13, a lumen (not numbered), and at least one eyelet14. The distal end 11 is preferably round ended to allow easy and painfree insertion into the urethra of a patient. The distal end 11 has oneor more eyelets 14 to accommodate flow of the urine from the bladderthrough the lumen of the catheter 10. Preferably the eyelets 14 areprovided with rounded and or polished rims (not numbered) to increasecomfort to the patient during insertion. The proximal end 12 of thecatheter 10 provides an exit for the urine from the lumen.

The diameter of the proximal end 12 of the catheter 10 is preferablylarger than the diameter of the distal end 11. The proximal end 12 maybe any suitable shape to accommodate sliding along the full longitudinallength 21 of the package 20 without exiting the package 20.

The catheter 10 may be coated with a hydrophilic coating to provide alow friction surface when treated with a swelling medium. A swellingmedium may be provided within the package 20 to provide a ready to usecatheter 10. The use of hydrophilic coating and prepackaged swellingmediums with catheters 10 is well known in the industry. A lubricant mayalso be provided in the package 20 to provide a low friction surface.Providing a lubricant in a catheter 10 package 20 is well known in theindustry.

The catheter 10 may have any desired longitudinal length 13 and shapeeffective for achieving the function of eliminating urine from thebladder of a male or female patient, including the hollow cylinder ortube shape as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 6. Preferably, the longitudinallength 13 for an adult female catheter 10 is between 2-6 inches, thelongitudinal length 13 of the adult male catheter 10 is between 10-16inches, and the longitudinal length 13 of a pediatric catheter 10 isbetween 5-11 inches.

The catheter 10 may be constructed from any material possessingsufficient structural integrity, being light weight, and having a smoothfinish, including specifically, but not exclusively, plastics such aspolyethylene, polyvinyl chloride and polyurethane, etc. The catheter 10may be made without a softening agent also or with a softening agentallowing the catheter 10 to be pliable. Pliability is especially desiredfor the longer male catheter 10 to allow the catheter 10 to be stiffenough for insertion but to allow enough flexibility to manipulatethrough the longer urethra of the male anatomy. The catheter 10 may alsobe elastic like the package 20. Using an elastic catheter 10 would allowthe catheter to be compacted to fit into a smaller package 20. Anelastic and pliable catheter 10 may decrease the chances of the catheter10 forming kinks if it is compacted in the package. An elastic catheter10 may also aid the package 20 in resuming the full longitudinal length21 upon opening of the package 20.

Preferably the catheter 10 is packaged in an elastic package 20. Asshown in FIGS. 2-4 and 9, the package 20 is stored in a compact statedefining a compact longitudinal length 22. The package 20 has a compactlongitudinal length 22 that is less than the full longitudinal length21. The elasticity of the package 20 may come from elastic material usedto form the package 20 or from a biasing means 70 incorporated into thepackage 20 wherein the package 20 is biased toward the full longitudinallength 21.

If an elastic material is used to form the package 20, the elasticity ofthe packaging material biases the package 20 to the full longitudinallength 21. Preferably the package 20 is made from polyester,polyethylene, a combination of the two materials, Surlyn, polyprolene,or aluminum.

At least one biasing means 70 may also be used to provide the elasticityof the package 20. Any acceptable biasing means 70 may be used, such asbut not exclusively, a spring. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the biasingmeans 70, is sealed into or molded as part of the package 20. Thepreferred biasing means 70 is a polymer member or a pressurized chamber.The chamber may be filled with any suitable pressurized fluid such aswater or a gas. To increase the elasticity of the package 20 more thanone biasing means 70 may be used in a single package 20.

Preferably the inner surface 26 a of the package 20 material is smoothto allow for ease in removing the catheter 10 for use and to preventdamage to the catheter 10. FIG. 1 shows the package 20 in a fulllongitudinal length 21. FIGS. 2-4 and 9 show the package 20 in itscompact state where the compact longitudinal length 22 is less than thefull longitudinal length 21.

The package 20 has a first longitudinal end 23 and a second longitudinalend 24 and defines an elongate catheter 10 receiving chamber 28extending along a portion of the full longitudinal length 21 of thepackage 20. The catheter 10 is carried in the elongate receiving chamber28 with the distal end 11 of the catheter 10 located proximate the firstlongitudinal end 23 of the package 20. As shown in FIG. 1, a firstembodiment of the package 20 may be constructed from a base sheet ofmaterial and cover sheet of material sealed along the edges 27 to formthe catheter 10 receiving chamber 28 therein. See FIG. 7A. The firstlongitudinal end 23 and the second longitudinal end 24 are sealed afterinsertion of the catheter 10 in the receiving chamber 28. A secondembodiment of the package 20 may also be constructed from a single basematerial folded upon it to provide a single sealed edge 27. See FIG. 7C.The first longitudinal end 23 and second longitudinal end 24 are thensealed after insertion of the catheter 10 in the receiving chamber 28.In a third embodiment the package 20 may be extruded in a tube shape andthen the first longitudinal end 23 and second longitudinal end 24 sealedafter insertion of the catheter 10 in the receiving chamber 28. As shownin FIG. 7B, the extruded shape may include longitudinal X creases toallow for flexibility of the package 20 during use.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the catheter 10 receiving chamber 28 extendsfrom proximate the first longitudinal end 23 of the package 20 toproximate the second longitudinal end 24 of the package 20 as the firstlongitudinal end 23 and the second longitudinal end 24 are sealed afterthe catheter 10 is inserted in the receiving chamber 28. The receivingchamber 28 is sized, configured, and arranged to slideably engage thecatheter 10. Preferably, proximate the first longitudinal end 23 of thepackage 20 the size of the receiving chamber 28 is an inwardly directedshoulder 28 b effective for decreasing the size of and constricting thereceiving chamber 28 such that the shoulder 28 b is sized, configured,and arranged to prohibit movement of the proximal end 12 of the catheter10 from exiting the receiving chamber 28 of the package 20.

Preferably, the package 20 has means to manually remove the firstlongitudinal end 23 and the second longitudinal end 24 to allow accessto the catheter 10 receiving chamber 28. The ends 23 and 24 may have aline of weakness 29 such as perforations or score lines, a tear strip,or a point of weakness to allow easy opening of the package 20 withoutthe need for scissors or a knife. Providing a line of weakness 29 mayalso direct the patient to open the package 20 at the proper place onthe package 20 to allow the proximal end 12 of the catheter 10 to catchon the shoulder 28 b of the receiving chamber 28.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 9, the package 20 has a compact longitudinallength 22 that is shorter than the full longitudinal length 21 of thepackage 20. Preferably the longitudinal length 13 of the catheter 10 isless than the longitudinal length 28 a of the receiving chamber 28. If anon elastic catheter 10 is used this will allow the portion of thepackage 20 without the catheter 10 to be folded, bent or coiled to formthe compacted package 20. It will also provide a longer receivingchamber 28 for use as a drainage tube during use of the catheter 10.

In the compact longitudinal length 22 the first longitudinal end 23 andthe second longitudinal end 24 may be configured and arranged to beremoved from the package 20 at the same time by aligning the removalmeans for each end as shown in FIGS. 3-4 and 9. Preferably thelongitudinal ends 23 and 24 are aligned and a fastener 50 used to attachthe first end 23 to the second end 24 such that the patient can notremove the first longitudinal end 23 without removing the secondlongitudinal end 24. The preferred fastener 50 is an adhesive.

The package 20 may be converted from the full longitudinal length 21 tothe compacted length 22 by folding, coiling, bending, or pleating. Asshown in FIGS. 2-4 and 10 the package 20 may be folded or bent a singletime. The folding may be made easier by using a hinge 25, score line, orat least one set of laterally Y extending dimples 60 at the point offolding. The hinge 25 may be a live hinge 25 or a mechanical hinge 25.As shown in FIG. 8, the package 20 may be folded or bent more than onetime to accommodate a package 20 with a longer full longitudinal length21. This could allow for a longer drainage tube as well as toaccommodate a longer catheter 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the package 20 maybe coiled into the compact length 22. Again the package 20 may have oneor more coils depending on the original full longitudinal length 21 ofthe package 20. As the package 20 is elastic, a fastener 50 may beneeded to attach the first longitudinal end 23 of the package 20 to thesecond longitudinal end 24 to keep the package 20 in the compactposition. Upon removing the longitudinal ends 23 and 24 of the package20 or removing the fastener 50 from contact with one of the ends 23 and24 of the package 20, the package 20 will return to the fulllongitudinal length 21.

As shown in FIG. 2 the package 20 may also have a mirror 40 on the outersurface 26 b to aid the patient in inserting the catheter 10. Thepackage 20 may have a minor like outer surface 26 b to aid the patientin inserting the catheter 10.

The package 20 may also have a guide member 30 to aid the patient inremoving the distal end 11 of the catheter 10 from the package 20without touching the catheter 10 and causing contamination. Preferablythe guide member 30 has a tab 31 and a tether 32. As shown in FIG. 1,the tab 31, with one end (not numbered) of the tether 32, is attached tothe first longitudinal end 23 of the package 20 and the other end (notnumbered) of the tether 32 is attached to the distal end 11 of thecatheter 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the tab 31 may be embedded inthe seal of the first longitudinal end 23 of the package 20 whereinremoval of the first longitudinal end 23 from the package 20 removes thetab 31 allowing the distal end 11 of the catheter 10 to be pulled out ofthe package 20 with the tab 31.

Alternatively the proximal end 12 of the catheter 10 may be configuredand arranged to allow the distal end 11 of the catheter 10 to bemanually pushed out of the open longitudinal end of the package 20. Asshown in FIGS. 1 and 11A-E, the proximal end 12 of the catheter 10 maybe attached to or integrally formed with a push block 12 a. The pushblock 12 a is shaped to allow a patient to easily grip the proximal end12 of the catheter 10 through the package 20 and push the distal end 11of the catheter 10 out of the opened first longitudinal end 23 of thepackage 20.

Use

The compact packaged intermittent urinary catheter 10 is used bypatients for self catheterization. One or more of the compact packagedcatheters 10 may be easily carried by a patient in a purse, bag orpocket. Prior to use the patient should take all sanitary proceduresadvised by their doctors to decrease the risks of infection fromutilizing a catheter 10. The patient grasps the first and secondlongitudinal ends 23 and 24 of the compact elastic package 20 andremoves the ends 23 and 24. The ends 23 and 24 may be removed by cuttingwith a knife or scissors, but preferably the ends 23 and 24 are removedmanually along the lines of weakness 29 or at the point of weakness. Asshown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8, by removing the first longitudinal end 23and the second longitudinal end 24 at the point of weakness or line ofweakness 29, the package 20 will be open such that the receiving chamber28 are now open. Removing the first longitudinal end 23 of the package20 too far below the line of weakness 29 or the point of weakness couldcause the package 20 to be opened such that the shoulder 28 b of thereceiving chamber 28 is also removed and proximal end 12 the catheter 10will no longer be captured within the package 20.

Upon removal of the first and second longitudinal ends 23 and 24 of thepackage 20, the package 20 is then returned to its full longitudinallength 21.

If the package 20 has a guide member 30, removal of the firstlongitudinal end 23 of the package 20 will allow the distal end 11 ofthe catheter 10 to slide from the package 20 without the need to touchor contaminate the catheter 10. If the proximal end 12 of the catheter10 remains in the receiving chamber 28 of the package 20, the package 20can be used as a drainage tube for the catheter 10. The catheter 10 isthen inserted into the urethra of the patient. As the urine travelsthrough the catheter 10 and exits the proximal end 12 of the catheter10, it enters the receiving chamber 28 of the package 20 and travelsthrough the longitudinal length 28 a of the chamber 28 and out the nowopen second longitudinal end 24 of the package 20 and into a wastereceptacle.

If the catheter 10 has a push block 12 a proximate the proximal end 12of the catheter 10, after the package 20 is opened and the package 20returns to the full longitudinal length 21, the patient grasps the pushblock 12 a at the proximal end 12 of the catheter 10 through the package20 and pushes the distal end 11 of the catheter 10 out of the package 20without touching or contaminating the catheter 10. The catheter 10 maythen be used the same as the catheter 10 with the guide member 30.

After the bladder is emptied, the catheter 10 is removed from theurethra and the catheter 10 can be pushed back into the package 20 foreasy and mess free disposal.

The compact package described herein may be used to store a sterilecatheter packed therein or may be provided along with or separately fromthe catheter. In either case, the package is preferably used as an aidfor inserting the catheter into the urethra. The embodiments describedabove include the catheter stored in the package which also containslubricant to assist urethral insertion, or the catheter may beseparately inserted into the lubricant-filled package at the time ofusage. It should be noted that all of the variations described abovepertaining to the way the package is held in a compact shape, or whichassist in opening the package to its elongated shape apply equally tothe separate package described below. Likewise, other constructionalaspects such as materials and dimensions described above may applyequally to the stand-alone package described below.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an alternative form of a package80 for assisting insertion of an intermittent urinary catheter shown incompact longitudinal length, while FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional sideview of the package 80 taken along line 14-14.

The package 80 has a first longitudinal end 82 and a second longitudinalend 84 and defines an elongate catheter receiving chamber 86 extendingalong a portion of the full longitudinal length of the package 80. Asshown in FIG. 14, a first embodiment of the package 80 may beconstructed from a base sheet of material and cover sheet of materialsealed along side edges 88 a and end edge 88 b to form the catheterreceiving chamber 86 therein. The elongated package 80, best seen inpartial view in FIG. 16, folds at a mid-point 90 so that the first andsecond longitudinal ends 82, 84 meet and are joined into the single endedge 88 b. The first longitudinal end 82 and the second longitudinal end84 are sealed after addition of a lubricating medium in the receivingchamber 86. In a second embodiment the package 80 may be extruded in atube shape and then the first longitudinal end 82 and secondlongitudinal end 84 sealed after addition of a lubricating medium in thereceiving chamber 86, as in shown in FIG. 7B. A third embodiment of thepackage 80 may also be constructed from a single base material foldedupon it to provide a single sealed edge, as in FIG. 7C.

FIG. 14 also shows a score or notch 92 formed at an outer extent of thesealed side edges 88 a at a longitudinal location below the end edge 88b and aligned with the inner chamber 86. An upper portion of thecompacted package may be cut away or torn off using the notch 92 as astarter, as seen in FIG. 15, to expose the inner chamber 86 by removingboth the first and second longitudinal ends 82, 84. FIG. 16 is aperspective view of the package 80 after removal of the first and secondlongitudinal ends 82, 84 and in full longitudinal length from a firstopen end 94 to a second open end 96. Indicator arrows 98 are desirablyprinted on one or both exterior sides of the elongated package 80oriented in one longitudinal direction.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the elongated package 80 showing a userinserting an intermittent urinary catheter 100 therein in the directionof the indicator arrows 98. The catheter may be any of the variousembodiments described above, or other types. A leading end of thecatheter is inserted into the first open end 94 and pushed through thechamber 86 having lubricating medium therein.

FIG. 18 shows the intermittent urinary catheter 100 passing completelythrough the elongated package 80, emerging from the second open end 96.A lubricating medium 102 is seen adhered to an outer surface of thecatheter 100 from passing through the catheter-receiving chamber 86.

The package 80 is then used to assist in inserting the catheter 100 intoa urethra. FIG. 19 is a perspective view like FIG. 18 showing the userholding the package 80 with the intermittent urinary catheter 100therein in preparation for use. A portion of the leading end 104 of thecatheter 100 with lubricant 102 thereon extends from the second open end96. The user can easily and cleanly grasp the side of the elongatedpackage 80 to manipulate the leading end 104 into the proper position.Once the leading end 104 is inserted into the urethra, the user canmaintain a grip on the catheter 100 as it is advanced in stages, withthe package 80 sliding back over the catheter so as to continue tolubricate its length. When the process is complete, the package 80 againcan be used to grip and remove the catheter 100 from the urethra.

The stand-alone package 80 described above is easy and convenient to usewith a variety of different catheters. Often, with simple ketchup-stylegel packages used to deposit lubricant on the catheter the gel coatingcan be lumpy and inconsistent. With the catheter 100 passing through thepackage chamber 86, the gel is instead applied evenly and smoothly.Further, the user's fingers remain outside the package 80 at all timesso there is no mess. The package 80 acts as a clean handling sleeve forboth advancing and retracting the catheter. The package 80 is relativelysimple and economical, making it an advantageous way to facilitate theoften messy job of urinary catheter insertion.

Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shown shouldbe considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus andprocedures disclosed or claimed. Although many of the examples presentedherein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements,it should be understood that those acts and those elements may becombined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elementsand features discussed only in connection with one embodiment are notintended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments.

It is claimed:
 1. A compact package for an intermittent urinarycatheter, comprising a longitudinally compacted elastic package havingan open extended state and a closed compacted state, wherein the packagedefines a longitudinally extending receiving chamber containing alubricating medium, wherein the package is sized and configured when inits compacted state such that a first longitudinal end of the packageand a second longitudinal end of the package are aligned and attachedtogether and removal of the first longitudinal end causes removal of thesecond longitudinal end and opening of the package, and wherein removalof both first and second longitudinal ends permits the package to beconverted to its extended state with both first and second longitudinalends being open, and wherein the longitudinally extending receivingchamber is sized and configured when the package is in its open extendedstate to slidably receive a longitudinally elongated intermittenturinary catheter so that the lubricating medium coats the catheterexterior.
 2. The compact package, as set forth in claim 1, wherein thepackage is made from polyester, polyethylene, or a combination of thetwo materials.
 3. The compact package, as set forth in claim 1, furthercomprising a line of weakness proximate the first longitudinal end ofthe package and the second longitudinal end of the package wherein thelines of weakness are aligned when the first longitudinal end of thepackage and the second longitudinal end of the package are aligned andattached together.
 4. The compact package, as set forth in claim 1,wherein the compacted state of the package includes a single fold withthe first and second longitudinal ends being joined together oppositethe fold.
 5. The compact package, as set forth in claim 1, wherein thecompacted state of the package includes a coiled configuration.
 6. Thecompact package, as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a hinge inthe package to allow the package to be configured and arranged into itscompacted state.
 7. The compact package, as set forth in claim 1,wherein the package has at least one set of laterally extending dimplesconfigured and arranged to allow the package to be folded into itscompacted state.
 8. The compact package, as set forth in claim 1,wherein the package has a biasing means configured and arranged to biasthe package toward its extended state.
 9. The compact package, as setforth in claim 8, wherein the biasing means is a polymer member.
 10. Thecompact package, as set forth in claim 8, wherein the biasing means isat least one pressurized chamber.
 11. A method of using an intermittenturinary catheter comprising the steps of: a) obtaining, in its closedcompacted state, the package for an intermittent urinary catheter as setforth in claim 1; b) simultaneously removing the first and secondlongitudinal ends of the package so that both first and secondlongitudinal ends are open; c) converting the package to its extendedstate; d) inserting a leading end of an intermittent urinary catheterinto the open first longitudinal end and passing the catheter throughthe longitudinally extending receiving chamber so that the leading endprojects from the open second longitudinal end with lubricating mediumcoating an exterior surface thereof; e) inserting the catheter leadingend into a urethra; and f) using at least a portion of the package as aclean handling sleeve for the catheter.
 12. The method of claim 18,wherein the compacted state of the package includes a single fold withthe first and second longitudinal ends being joined together oppositethe fold, and the step of converting the package to its extended statecomprises unfolding the package.